A heavily forested property has been purchased to expand a reserve and safeguard endangered and vulnerable species.
The 17-hectare block at Ilkley will become part of Sunshine Coast Council’s existing Tall Gums Environment Reserve, which connects to the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens.
Councillor Tim Burns said the mature forests there would offer habitat for the likes of koalas and gliders.
“This purchase protects a range of threatened plants and animals, prevents core koala habitat from being cleared and keeps these adjoining reserves healthy,” he said.
“The ridge is covered in beautiful open forest and the gullies have lush areas perfect for the Richmond birdwing vine, an important food plant for our region’s incredible Richmond birdwing butterfly.”
The acquisition is part of the council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy, which helps to preserve and enhance the region’s biodiversity.
Councillor Winston Johnston said protecting natural areas was a priority.
“The Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens and Tall Gums Environment Reserve is a beating heart for our community to gather and enjoy nature,” he said.
“We’re excited to be able to expand the reserve and in doing so, help strengthen our strategic biodiversity corridors that provide landscape connections from our coast to the hinterland.”
The purchase was funded through council’s Environment Levy, paid by every property owner through rates.
The land acquisition will protect habitat for endangered animal and plant species including koalas and greater gliders, and vulnerable species including the Richmond birdwing butterfly, tusked frog, glossy black cockatoo, wedding bush and rusty oak.
The purchase follows a 150-hectare land purchase near Peregian Beach, via a joint funding partnership with the state government.
That land, at 37 Monak Road at Peregian Beach, shares boundaries with the Doonan Wetland Nature Refuge and Noosa National Park.
It is an essential habitat for koalas, ground parrots, glossy black cockatoos, wallum froglets and tusked frogs.
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